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You may or may not know that I am a children’s author! A lifelong dream fulfilled. I’m thrilled to introduce you to Roaring Mad Riley, a picture and activity book designed to teach anger management skills to kids ages 5 to 7. And yes, I’m proud to say that I’m the author of this special book, which I wrote with educators like you (and me!) in mind.
What Makes Roaring Mad Riley Special?
Anger is a natural emotion, but for young children, managing those big feelings can be a real challenge. There are consistent messages for both kids and adults that being angry is wrong, and that mad is bad. That’s where Roaring Mad Riley comes in. Through the adventures of Riley the dinosaur and her friends Parker and Mr. Rex, this book introduces simple, actionable strategies for calming down when emotions run high. From taking deep breaths to shaking it out, the techniques are easy for kids to understand and implement. This book aims not to shame anger, but let kids know that it’s an uncomfortable emotion that we can shift from feeling.
But what really sets Roaring Mad Riley apart is its dual purpose as both a storybook and an activity book. After reading the story, students can dive into engaging activities that reinforce the skills they’ve learned, making the lessons both memorable and fun.
Why Your Classroom Needs This Book
- Teaches Essential SEL Skills: Roaring Mad Riley aligns perfectly with social emotional learning (SEL) competencies, particularly self-management and self-awareness. It helps students recognize their emotions and equips them with tools to respond safely and meaningfully.
- Engages Students: The colorful illustrations and relatable characters capture young readers’ attention, while the interactive activities keep them engaged long after storytime is over.
- Supports a Positive Classroom Environment: By teaching anger management skills, this book can be proactive and create a calmer, more focused learning environment.
How to Use Roaring Mad Riley in Your Classroom
- Read Aloud Discussions: Read the book aloud to your class and pause to discuss how Riley handles her anger. Ask questions like, “What would you do if you felt like roaring like Riley?” or “Which of Riley’s calming techniques do you think works best?” Use the prompts in the book, too!
- Activity Stations: Use the activities in the book as part of your morning work, center rotations, or SEL block. For example, students can practice deep-breathing exercises or create their own “calm-down cards” to use when they feel upset. You can utilize this companion pack, also designed by me, to guide these stations.
- Role-Playing Scenarios: Pair students up and have them act out scenarios where they might feel angry, then use Riley’s strategies to calm down. This helps them practice applying the techniques in real-life situations.
- Classroom Calm-Down Corner: Incorporate Riley’s strategies into a designated calm-down area in your classroom. Display visuals from the book, like Riley counting to 10 or shaking it out, and provide tools like stress balls or breathing exercises to support self-regulation.
- Family Engagement: Send home a note about the book with a few suggested activities that families can try together. This helps reinforce the lessons at home and builds a bridge between school and family life.
Building Skills That Last a Lifetime
Us teachers have the unique opportunity to shape how children handle their emotions, and Roaring Mad Riley is a valuable tool in that journey. By incorporating this book into your classroom, we have another relatable, engaging tool for helping children understand their anger in a healthy way.
I’m so excited to see how Roaring Mad Riley can make a difference in your classroom. Let me know how you’re using it with your students—I’d love to hear your stories and ideas!
